James Acaster and Ed Gamble are doing Celebrity Hunted their own way, stopping for a great supper on the route.
The Channel 4 show resumed on Tuesday for a Stand Up To Cancer special series, in which numerous celebrities flee from the ‘authorities,’ hoping to reach a special extradition region where they would be proclaimed safe.
While some famous couples have been in tense situations, such as Katya Jones and Aimee Fuller’s getaway vehicle leaving them behind, James and Ed are taking it easy.
After escaping from Shrewsbury jail, the couple sprinted across town in similar grey jumpsuits, pondering their next move.
They then observed a helicopter circling above looking for them and dashed inside the first door to get out of sight – which happened to be Michelin-starred eatery The Walrus. Very convenient.
The Off Menu hosts and foodies entered the restaurant, stated they were on the run, and sat down to enjoy a drink of champagne and some meal.
They first advised getting a window seat before realising they were wanted fugitives.
As they finished their lunch, which included a main course, dessert, and beverages, James commented, ‘They edit this show to look stressful but its really not.’
The next step in their unconventional escape plan was to ask their server, Muireann, for a trip to Birmingham, which she gladly provided.
Once in the car, James complained about his shoes and proceeded to toss them out the window, only to quickly regret his decision as they arrived in Birmingham and were confronted with broken glass on the ground.
Instead of heading to a shoe store, the two headed to a wig shop for disguises, only to stand out even more as James wore a bright pink wig while Ed carried him on his back through the streets to protect his feet.
With the big drama behind them, the couple went into a comedy club, where Ed began a stand-up set in front of an audience of one: James, who drank wine and heckled him with ‘your mom’ jokes.
The couple clearly believe they are safe beyond the point of capture, but they are unaware that the hunters tracked down the restaurant and a cook spilled the beans on Muireann driving them to Birmingham.
The first episode of the new Celebrity season airs on Tuesday, and judging by the trailer, it’s going to be a wild ride, with the hunters exasperatedly declaring the couple were ‘either taking the p*** or are very foolish.’
Six other celebrities, in addition to James, Ed, Katya, and Aimee, are competing to avoid the hunters and reach the sage zone.
TV celebrities Nik and Eva Speakman, who specialised in life coaching, are entering the tournament together as the two oldest contenders at 61 and 53.
Saffron Barker, a YouTuber, and TV mathematician Bobby Seagull are coupled, while Corrie actress Nicola Thorp and boyfriend Nikesh Patel round out the cast, however Nikesh missed the first episode due to contracting Covid-19.
You can catch Hunted and Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4.